Tea Party Steeped in Etiquette
Ladies of all ages donned their finest hats and fashionable dresses to learn etiquette for attending and hosting a proper tea, while also learning about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Davidson County, North Carolina.
Hosted by the Thomasville Woman’s Club, the event was the first in a planned series of occasions designed to nurture awareness of the Army’s presence and provide opportunity to meet new friends and foster partnerships with other agencies in the community, according to Major Whitney Morton, Davidson County corps officer.
The event served as a fundraiser for the local Army, which includes the Boys & Girls Club and other prominent corps and community outreach ministries.
“We were brainstorming last year, looking at possible program expansion, and we wanted a signature event such as this to share the story of The Salvation Army in Davidson County,” Major Whitney says. “While this is not a million-dollar fundraiser, we feel the public awareness of what we are all about is priceless.”
The Thomasville Woman’s Club was an appropriate venue for the tea, the rich history of the facility since its construction in 1937 providing a stunning backdrop for the event. The club has become a “go to” venue for weddings, showers, formal occasions, cooking classes, and weekly civic groups meetings, and is also known as a choice spot for excellent cuisine.
Owner/operator Steve Teglas serves as president of ReVILLEing, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the city’s beauty and significance. “Steve The Food Guy,” as he is known locally, promotes proper nutrition and teaches food preparation classes. He is also an expert in proper British tradition for conducting and participating in a variety of “teas” — breakfast, afternoon, and high. His presentation for this event was well received and particularly poignant, as he was heavily involved in the Boys & Girls Club program as a child.
Upon arrival, the ladies were offered their choice of exquisite teacups and flavors of tea to sample. After a short program, the ladies were invited to put into practice etiquette tips presented by Steve and his fellow presenters, enjoying finger sandwiches and scones while sipping piping hot tea (never put your pinky out, by the way!) and listening to a lovely serenade from the Boys & Girls Club chorus.
“It’s quite improper for tea to be poured by the waitstaff,” the ladies were informed. “Friendship has always been at the heart of afternoon tea, and out of respect for your guests, you should offer to pour their cups of tea for them—from friend to friend.”
Other tips include:
- Eat with your fingers; no silverware needed.
- Napkins should stay on your lap.
- Sandwiches first, scones second, desserts last.
- Take small sips and tiny bites.
- Sip your tea quietly; do not blow on it—let your tea cool down.
“Many people think that a tea is for the elite or high society,” Steve explains. “It’s actually a casual, break-bread kind of occasion for people—all people—to come together. For friends, old and new.” Even so, this particular tea party definitely held an air of class and sophistication while also providing a deeper understanding of the mission of The Salvation Army.
